2008 Ford Ranger vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Ranger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Ranger would be higher. At 2,970 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2008 Ford Ranger. (148 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 262 kg more than 2008 Ford Ranger. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Ford Ranger is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Ford Ranger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Ford Ranger (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Ranger | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ranger | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2970 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1369 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 55 L |
